Former British soldier in court for terrorism offence of fighting Isis

A former British soldier was in court on Wednesday facing an unprecedented prosecution under terrorism legislation for fighting against Islamic State in Syria.

James Matthews, 43, is thought to be the first person prosecuted under such legislation for assisting a group helped by the UK government.

Matthews, who joined Kurdish forces to fight against Isis, was cheered by a crowd outside Westminster magistrates court as he arrived for a preliminary hearing. He has been charged with one count of attending a place used for terrorist training, under the Terrorism Act 2006.

The offences relate to his time in Syria, where he fought with the Kurdish forces, the YPG. He previously appeared in a Channel 4 documentary, called The Brits Battling Isis, about his decision to join the fight against the jihadist group.

At the preliminary hearing, Matthews spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. He was granted conditional bail until his first hearing on 1 March, at the criminal court, where future court dates will be discussed.

Matthews’ lawyer, Joel Bennathan QC, said that these might not be quick proceedings under terrorism legislation, with potential for appeals. He said: “What we have no guidance on is whether groups of men who are fighting with air covers from the French and [with] support from UK forces ... whether men and women in that situation fall under the Terrorism Act.”

The magistrate, Emma Arbuthnot, said: “This is a very unusual case. It’s certainly the first case this court has had in front of it, in numerous other alleged terrorism cases.”

A Metropolitan police spokesman said last week: “James Matthews, a UK national, will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 14 February to be formally charged with attending a place or places in Iraq and Syria where instruction or training was provided for purposes connected to the commission or preparation of terrorism on or before 15 February 2016 under section 8 of the Terrorism Act 2006.”